1896

Your Secretary has accepted the position of Bequest Chairman for 1896. It is an important job. The future strength and growth of Dartmouth depend in no small measure upon the success of this bold, well conceived, long-range plan to very largely increase the resources of the College.

Our class, thanks in large measure to Guy Richards, is establishing a good record and may lead all the older classes. Estimating the Richards bequest, gifts and bequests now in hand total about $170,000, and over the years our class has contributed to the Alumni Fund more than $30,000 for a total giving of .$200,000.

Your Bequest Chairman knows of other bequests definitely arranged or being planned that may amount to $15,000 or more.

Is it not possible that '96 may reach a total of $250,000? How greatly this would help Dartmouth! And it would set an example to other classes.

Is it not better to have our dollars live in Dartmouth rather than go down the Income and Inheritance Tax rat hole?

The College has recently learned of the death of Dr. John G. L. Borgmeyer, Brooklyn surgeon, who was graduated from the Dartmouth Medical School in 1896. Dr. Borgmeyer was born in Brooklyn, February 4, 1871, and after leaving Dartmouth practiced in his native city. He left Dartmouth a bequest of $4,000.

Your Secretary is happy to present a brief sketch of the career of:

William A. Meserve

Bill was a classmate .for two. years. So far as I know none of us have seen him since he left college.

He has done all right and established a good reputation in his home town of Creighton, Neb. He writes:

"My dear Classmate: "I have received your very kind and interesting letter, tellingme about the members of the Dartmouth class of 1896 of which I was a member for two years. I was seized with the 'Spirit of Wander' so came West. I made my first home with a Mr. and Mrs. Young at Stanton, Neb. I studied law for three years in Mr. Young's law office, 1893 to December 1896, when I was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Nebraska. Besides being engaged in the practice of law in Creighton, Neb. from 1898 to 1948, I was a partner in the Nebraska Realty Company, the Star Line Company and the Security Land Investment Company from 1903 to 1938.

"Was married to Katherine Ryan, April 6, 1904. We have two sons, William J. Meserve, a mortician located at Sonora, Calif., and Robert J. Meserve, serving in the United States Navy, now stationed in Japan.

"I have held the following Public offices: State Senator, representing the 8th district-1905. A member of Nebraska Constitutional Convention 1920, member of American Bar Association, Nebraska State Bar Association and Bar of the Ninth Judicial District. I have always been interested in good roads, so was a member of the road committee for the Streamline Highway passing through Creighton. All these years I have been attorney for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway ComPan.

"On account of ill health I retired from tne practice of law in 1948. My recreation consists of a good stiff game of contract and working with the State Republican Party. We have a very comfortable home here and, of course, have many old friends whom we enjoy.

"I send my greetings to all classmates of '96."

Secretary and Bequest Chairman 159 Park Ave., Arlington, Mass. Treasurer, 21 Forest Rd., Cape Elizabeth, Me.